Parental controls extend to new devices

Recently, the Tech Tip column covered how to lock down your iOS (Apple) device when letting a child use it. But what about Android? Unfortunately, parental controls are a bit more complicated when it comes to Android-based smartphones and tablets.

Google has just now started implementing a parental control method into Android tablets running Android 4.3, but not into smartphones yet. With the majority of Android devices not running the latest OS, users have to rely on third-party apps.

Some device manufacturers and carriers include apps that put a device into kid mode.

If your device doesn’t come with a pre-installed method, search the Play Store for Kid Mode: Free Games + Lock. The free app will help you pick and choose which apps your child can access, while providing free entertainment apps at the same time.